Sacred Cello by Steven Sharp Nelson (CD, Sep-2006, Stone Angel)

Album Features
UPC:	650070001225
Artist:	Steven Sharp Nelson
Format:	CD
Release Year:	2006
Record Label:	Stone Angel
Genre:	New Age, Violin

Track Listing
1. Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major: Prelude
2. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - (featuring Paul Cardall)
3. Clair de Lune - (featuring Jon Schmidt)
4. Water Is Wide, The - (featuring Peter Breinholt)
5. Be Still My Soul
6. Beautiful Savior - (featuring David Tolk)
7. Chorale "O, Savior Thou Who Weakest a Crown"
8. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - (featuring Jon Schmidt)
9. How Can I Keep From Singing?
10. O My Father - (featuring Marshall McDonald)
11. All Creatures of Our God and King
12. God Be With You till We Meet Again

Details
Contributing Artists:	Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, David Tolk, Peter Breinholt, Marshall McDonald
Producer:	Paul Cardall
Distributor:	CD Baby (distributor)
Recording Type:	Studio
Recording Mode:	Stereo
SPAR Code:	n/a

Album Notes
Veteran studio musician Steven Sharp Nelson stepped out of a backing role and into the forefront with Sacred Cello, his debut effort. Having performed on over 100 albums previous to this inaugural solo project, he displays a penchant for improvisation even underneath a surface of meticulous precision. Nelson shows a mastery of tempo and dynamic contrast that evokes a surprisingly strong amount of emotion, even with what could be considered a familiar track list to classicists. There are no real surprises in the core lineup of hymns, but a stylish variety of classical and traditional work adds a sparkling flourish to the set. Among others, his unaccompanied rendition of the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G major employs a stirring rubato, while he commands a rhythmic bassline in Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. These departures from strict Sunday fare give the album a tremendous lift. Guitarist Peter Breinholt and solo pianists Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, David Tolk, and Marshall McDonald take turns serving as guest stars. They are merely icing on the cake, however; each in his own way complements the album's flavor, which ventures into new age, folk, inspirational, and classical. From start to finish, Sacred Cello is bright, solid, unique, and enchanting. ~ Jared Johnson